Walkability Consultant Hired to Improve Downtown, Immediately Hit by Car

Nationally recognized walkability consultant Dr. Petra Sidewalk, hired by the city of Ridgemont to assess and improve downtown pedestrian conditions, was struck by a turning vehicle at approximately 9:47 AM Monday while attempting to cross the street to City Hall, where she was scheduled to deliver a presentation titled 'Making Ridgemont Walkable: A Vision for Pedestrian Safety.' Dr. Sidewalk, who sustained minor injuries and a profound sense of professional validation, was crossing at a marked crosswalk with a pedestrian signal when a driver executing a right turn on red struck her at approximately 15 miles per hour. 'In a way, this is the most efficient needs assessment I've ever conducted,' Dr. Sidewalk said from a bench outside the emergency room, her arm in a sling and her laptop open to a slide deck. 'I can now confirm, from direct physical experience, that the pedestrian infrastructure in downtown Ridgemont is inadequate. My fee for this finding is $45,000.' The incident occurred at the intersection of Main Street and Commerce Avenue, which Dr. Sidewalk's preliminary research had already flagged as 'the most dangerous pedestrian crossing in the downtown core.' Her assessment, completed in the ambulance, additionally noted 'absent curb extensions, faded crosswalk markings, permitted right turns on red at a high-conflict intersection, and signal timing that gives pedestrians eleven seconds to cross six lanes.' The driver, who stopped and rendered assistance, told police he 'didn't see her,' a statement Dr. Sidewalk has requested be included verbatim in her final report under the heading 'Exactly the Problem.' The presentation has been rescheduled for next week. Dr. Sidewalk has requested a parking space directly outside City Hall.